Mel Allen was an American actor best known for his work in “The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!” (1988), “Needful Things” (1993), and “Born on the Fourth of July” (1989). He was known as “The Voice of the Yankees” and became a significant figure in baseball broadcasting.
Personal and Family Life
Melvin Allen Israel was born on February 14, 1913, in Birmingham, Alabama. Although he earned a law degree, he chose to pursue a career in broadcasting instead. Throughout his life, he was known for his distinctive voice and his connection to baseball.
Career Achievements
Mel Allen began broadcasting for the New York Yankees in 1939 and became a beloved figure in the sport. He was inducted into both the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the Radio Hall of Fame for his contributions to sports broadcasting and entertainment. His trademark calls and commentary left a lasting impact on baseball and its fans.
Death and Legacy
Mel Allen passed away on June 16, 1996, in Greenwich, Connecticut, due to heart failure. He is remembered as one of the most iconic voices in baseball history, and his legacy continues to influence sports broadcasting today.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! | 1988-12-02 | Baseball Announcer |
| Needful Things | 1993-08-27 | Baseball Announcer |
| The Babe Ruth Story | 1948-09-16 | Mel Allen – New York Yankees Radio Announcer |
| 1984 Detroit Tigers: The Official World Series Film | 1984-10-09 | Narrator |
| On the Air | 1939-06-26 | Self / Radio Program Announcer |
| The Please Watch the Jon Lovitz Special, Live! | 1992-05-17 | Self |
| Baseball’s Funniest Bloopers | 1991-12-01 | Self – Narrator |
| 50 Greatest Home Runs in Baseball History | 1993-07-06 | Narrator |
| Baseball in the ’70s | 1991-01-29 | Narrator |
| Baseball 1992: A Video Chronicle | 1993-01-29 | Narrator |
| The Million Dollar Infield | 1982-02-02 | Self |
| Babe Ruth: The Man, the Myth, the Legend | 1990-04-25 | Narrator |
| The Rifleman | 1958-09-30 | |
| Jackpot Bowling | 1959-01-09 | Host |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self |
| The Sounds of Baseball | 2020-06-08 | Self (archive footage) |